A couple who maxed out on SS, even with no savings, will clear 50K a year in SS benefits if they retire at 'normal retirement age'

What does that represent--maybe 5% of Boomers, tops? More likely less. Neither my husband nor I maxed out SS and we made a lot more than most people.

If they downsize their CA or NY or CT or MA home, move to FL and buy a home for 1/3rd the price, they'll put another couple hundred thousand in the bank.

Yeah, in 2005 ;-)Seriously, most people want to stay near friends & family. Me, I wanna be near my grandson.

At least half the boomers will be in good shape.

Links? IIRC, about a quarter will be in very good or great shape, another half will be more or less OK if they get what's comin' to 'em, and the bottom quarter will be in tough shape. If they cut SS across the board, many will starve or become homeless, just as they did before SS was enacted. And there are d@mn few SRO fleabag hotels anymore where such folks used to live, in cities anyhow.

My grandfather worked part time just to occupy his time. His favorite job was taking tickets in a movie theater. Got to meet lots of folks, worked there for 8 years, knew everyone......and got to see the movies for free when not working. A few blocks from his house so he walked there and back. This 30 years ago.

Recent college grads are taking many of these jobs these days. Me, I may be a volunteer usher/info desk aide at arts organizations when my heavy babysitting days are behind me.

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